Tuesday, April 26, 2011

DENTAL HISTORY COMES ALIVE

An irresistible book has just come to Practicon’s attention: The Dental Patient’s Little Book of History, Humor and Trivia. Researched and written by Don Dible, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Dental Soul, this paperback is packed with historical facts about dentistry presented in a humorous, quick-read format that grabs the interest of dental professionals and lay people alike.

From the legend of the toothworm, an explanation of the cause of toothache recorded on a stone tablet found in Nineveh, the capital of the ancient Assyrian Empire, to the founding of the American Dental Association in 1859 to factual trivia of the 20th century, this little book is a fascinating trip into dental history and memorabilia.

Watch for its debut in Practicon’s April 2011 catalog.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

WHO SAID THAT?

“The greatest accomplishments are not in never falling, but in getting up every time.” Vince Lombardi

“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” St. Francis of Assisi

“Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never---in nothing great or small, large of petty---never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.” Sir Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of England during World War II

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

CHILDREN’S ORAL HEALTH, A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO BEGIN A LIFELONG HEALTH HABIT

For over a generation now, dentists have had the knowledge, materials, and skill to begin youngsters on a lifelong path of oral health. Ask a child, “How long should your teeth last?”, and provide him or her a quick, accurate answer, “As long as the end of your nose! With proper care teeth were meant to last a lifetime.”

Quoting Dr. Stephen J. Goepferd in an article written 25 years ago for the ASDC Journal of Dentistry for Children, “Because of their current knowledge about nursing caries, the effectiveness pit and fissure sealants, fluorides, factors that influence dental caries, and the most recent and appropriate feeding and dietary recommendations, dentists are in a singular position to assist parents in rearing children who are caries-free. If we begin before the onset of disease, our chances for success are greatly enhanced. Children’s oral health should not be ignored or neglected until three years of age. Increasingly, parents of infants and toddlers are requesting preventive dental services for their children.”

Peruse Practicon’s catalog for a wealth of items to help dental teams teach and inspire both parents and children on the caries-free quest.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

ARE ALL PATIENTS TREATED SIMILARLY IN YOUR OFFICE?

“Treated similarly” obviously does not refer to like clinical procedures. It refers to courtesy, friendliness, empathy, care, and efficiency of the appointment. As individuals, the dental team brings an amalgamation of preconceptions and experiences to the office. The dentist and staff must use caution to avoid judging each patient and then treating them according to their own preconceptions or prejudices based on past experience. No obvious delight with extra time and concern for Mrs. Gotrocks VS conspicuous impatience and hurried treatment for Mr. Havenot. Since this is most likely never a problem in your office, please consider this a simple “blogged” reminder to those few other offices in which it may be.